Disclosed herein are cameras and image sensors, and electronic devices containing them, having pixel arrays operable both for obtaining images and detecting flicker in ambient light. For flicker detection, such as prior to image capture, light-generated current from a set of pixels of the pixel array is received at a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) that is formed in a common semiconductor substrate with the pixel array. An output signal of the TIA is digitized and signal processed to detect the flicker in the ambient light. Also disclosed are image sensors having pixel arrays with an embedded modulated light source. The modulated light source may be used for proximity detection, either by time-of-flight or intensity variation of reflected light.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
2. The image sensor of claim 1, wherein the FCDC includes a transimpedance amplifier.
3. The image sensor of claim 1, wherein the respective light-generated charge carriers of the respective PDs of the set of pixels are received at the FCDC from at least one of respective in-pixel anode or cathode connections of the set of pixels.
4. The image sensor of claim 3, wherein the respective in-pixel anode or cathode connections of the set of pixels are located opposite to a light-receiving side of the pixel array.
5. The image sensor of claim 3, wherein the respective in-pixel anode or cathode connections of the set of pixels are located on a light-receiving side of the pixel array.
6. The image sensor of claim 3, further comprising deep trench isolation walls separating pixels of the pixel array.
9. The image sensor of claim 1, wherein the total light-generated current is received through reset transistors of the set of pixels.
11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the FCDC includes a transimpedance amplifier that is operable to receive the combination of light-generated currents.
13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the analog-to-digital converter is formed on the common semiconductor substrate.
15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the fault is a current level exceeding a tolerance level.
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September 22, 2022
January 16, 2024
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